by Michael Reikes —
Our movie reviewer lets you in on this year’s box office hits before the previews hit your TV screen.
‘‘’71”
Feb. 27
The winner of numerous awards as well as a nomination for two BAFTAs, this film has been a hit with the critics.
“‘71” is about a British soldier posted in Belfast during the height of violence against the British and the IRA. After a riot, the soldier finds himself separated from his unit and with the help of random acts of kindness from locals, he tries to avoid both the IRA and the infamous Military Reaction Unit, both of which are trying to kill him.
‘Chappie’
Mar. 6
The latest film from powerhouse director Neill Blomkamp of “District 9” and “Elysium,” “Chappie” promises to be another special effects extravaganza.
The film centers around the titular Chappie, a robot who gains self awareness and progresses from the mind of a child. The movie appears to be structured like a drama that happens to have a robot, giving a new and interesting twist to the sci-fi genre.
‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’
May 1
The Avengers are back, this time to save the world from an evil artificial intelligence known as Ultron.
Joss Whedon is returning to direct this movie, as well as the rest of the cast, in this action-packed sequel to Marvel’s flagship property.
‘Inside Out’
June 19
Following the less-than-stellar “Monsters University,” Pixar appears to be on the rebound with “Inside Out,” a film that explores the inner workings of a child’s mind through the use of small people, who represent emotions.
With a star-studded cast including Lewis Black, Amy Poehler and Bill Hader, this movie should be the fun and thoughtful experience we have come to expect from Pixar.
‘The Hateful Eight’
Nov. 13
Tarantino is going west with his latest film, “The Hateful Eight.”
Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, the film centers around bounty hunters who, seeking shelter from a storm, find themselves entangled in plots of betrayal and lies.
Considering this will be Tarantino’s eighth film and he has yet to make a bad one, I can say with confidence that this movie will be totally awesome. Not to mention, Channing Tatum plays the lead, in arguably his first grown-up role, with a supporting cast that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russel and Zoe Bell.
